Philippe Ruault, courtesy of OMA

We often think of architecture as an art first and foremost, and who can blame us—when have you looked at a building and truly understood the science and reasoning behind a particular design? Rather, we look at a building and take in its aesthetic qualities.

While this is no fault of our own, Considering the Quake, co-curated by Prof. Ghyslaine McClure and founder Dr. Effie Bouras of McGill University, investigates the other side of the coin, analyzing structures that go above and beyond conventional approaches to seismic design, including not only fully constructed seismic technology, but also models, renderings and other multimedia platforms.

Taipei Performing Arts, Courtesy of OMA

Every year we're reminded of the power of natural disasters, reminded of, in many cases, how unprepared we truly are in the wake of events such as throttling earthquakes. In a world where we can't predict when the next disaster will strike, advances in seismic technology such as those on display in "Considering the Quake," could one day, save your life.

Open to the public last Wednesday, September 13th, Considering the Quake is the accompanying exhibit to Vertical Urban Factory.

CCTV time lapse, Courtesy of OMA

As an extension of this exhibit, on September 21st, from 6:30-8:30 pm, the Design Exchange kicks off their "Sons of Architecture" series featuring Tomas Koolhaas, son of renowned architect Rem Koolhaas. Tomas will be presenting a feature length documentary entitled REM, focusing on the experience and effect of the architecture his father designed instead of a biographical production.

Consider the Quake Design Exchange 234 Bay Street Toronto, M5K 1B2 September 13 - December 9